I didn’t ever want to write this post, but somehow today seemed like the right time to share about my dear mom. My mom passed away unexpectedly last week. It’s something I never, ever thought I could live through. As horrible as it is, I am trying my best to remember all the special that was in my mom and all the precious things she passed on to me. One of them was a love of Valentine’s Day. Mom was a rare Leap Year baby, born February 29, and February was one of her favorite months. Valentine’s Day was always something special at our house. It wasn’t just for mom and dad. We kids always got a special little package at the breakfast table. Some years it was pretty pink socks and $5, other times a tiny box of See’s candies and a small book, always with a beautiful Valentine card. Mom made us feel special and loved and I guess that was the greatest gift from my mom. It’s a joy to do the same traditions for my family and I hadn’t thought about it much until now.
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| Mom’s favorite photo on my wedding day. |
It’s the same with my dear friend Wendy who died the day after my mom. Wendy isn’t here, but she will never be gone. Her generous and loving way with her friends and everyone she knew stays with me, reminds me to welcoming, inviting and enjoy life as she did.
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| Wendy and I. She still tried to have fun at a Halloween. |
The best things we get from those who love us are the ones we can’t see, but will always be there. The things they did, and how they made us feel. Those will live inside of us and can never be gone and I am so grateful for it. My mom made life sweet for us and because of her, I can do the same and always feel loved even in this very sad time.
Aww Sweetheart … such a beautiful post and such a beautiful sentiment. There's just nothing like a mom's love and losing that leaves us forever changed, I think. I'm thinking of you today and every single day … Can't imagine losing Wendy so close to Mom … just so hard on you. I'm thinking about your dad too, Hon. You know I'm here for you if you need anything. We were both lucky we got so many good years with our moms and know that we were so loved, but … that doesn't make it easier for sure. Love you. OXOX Dawn
This was beautifully written Kim. Thank you for sharing the lovely pictures. You have your mother's sweet demeanour and are lucky to also have inherited her sparkling smile. I am so sorry to hear about your friend as well…my thought and prayers are with you Kim xxx
Much love. My mom died in 2001 and while you get used to it, you never get over it. But in the end, that's okay, because you want to always love and cherish her. And then to lose your precious friend. How awful and sucky has this last two weeks been. My heart breaks for you. But you will get through. And we will all be praying for you.
Oh Kim, my heart is breaking for you, I am so sorry, the pain must be agonising. I have no philosophical thoughts or words that can ease this, just a completely sincere hug and much love that I'm sending your way.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. What a sweet post in honor of your Mother and friend. xo
So sorry to hear about your mother and your friend. My heart hurts for you. I'm praying for you and your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. What deep sadness I feel for you. I hope your days slowly get a bit better. Be kind to yourself.
YOU LOOK JUST LIKE YOUR MAMA!
NO words…………….MAMA and GIRLFRIEND DIVINE………gone in FEBRUARY.NO doubt, this will be an EXTRA SPECIAL month from here on out.The Blossoms are starting to POP and that will make you look UP often and remember both of them…………XOXO
So beautiful Kim. I don't think you could have picked a better day to reflect about your Mom. Never realized how much you look like your mom, what a beautiful photo. Much love.
Dear Kim,
This was so beautifully written. I'm so very sorry! Your Mom sounds like a very special lady. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, I know the sort of quality woman she was, based on the wonderful daughter she raised. Sending love your way. To also lose your darling friend is unimaginable. Holding you in my prayers. xoxo Jennifer
Kim dear, That photo of your mom is captivating. As I told you, I see her light and beauty shining through you. That is her legacy and I know she is so proud of you, and the mother you have become. My heartbreaks for your pain these last 2 weeks. I know your sparkling memories of your loving mother, and dear friend, will bring comfort and peace in time. Take the time you need to heal and care for yourself. I'm always here…
Love to you and your family,
xx Heather
Kim,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom and your friend! Just awful… I know that this year did not start off well for you…I hope that you can find comfort through the love and support of your family and friends. It helped me a lot when I lost my parents years ago.
What a beautiful photo of your mom, you look so much like her! Also a great photo of you and Wendy, I'm sure you will cherish it always.
Take care of yourself.
Hugs,
Linda in S.D.
Kim, I can only imagine how hard it was for you to write this post … but your love and graciousness shines through … in a most poignant tribute. I send you much love and hugs of comfort during this sad, sad season.
Oh Kim my heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and wonderful memories.
Kim I am so very sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I see so much of you in your Mom and your friend Wendy shines like a light, they are both with you still of course. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you, your Mom and Wendy.
Much Love,
Danixox
What a lovely post at a time that is so difficult for you. I have just begun following your blog and I think your courage is inspirational to others. I am truly sorry for your losses.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Just little notes and kind words like this mean so much right now.
I was so shocked and sad for you as I read this post. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you to write. This is however a lovely tribute to your Mom and I was immediately struck by how much you look so alike. Losing your friend almost at the same time must be so hard. I am truly sorry for you.
Kim,
This is so devastating and I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom and friend. strong of you to write about it after such a terrible week. The story about her Leap year birthday and what she did special for Valentine's Day is so touching and what a truly beautiful photo from your wedding. Thank you for sharing about your mom and you are so lucky to have all these memories and to have been so close. Very sorry again for your loss of your mom and Wendy. 🙁
xoDale
I have been a fan of you fo a long time!!! This post made me cry!!! I am so saddened by your lost! Your truth, that indeed yes, our loved they do live within US! Beautiful post! Kathryn
Kim, I am so sorry to learn of your Mom and friend's passing. I know this must be a difficult time for you. Your mother was a beautiful woman and I'm sure you've passed along the same fun traditions with your two boys that your mom did with you on Valentine's Day. Sending you warm thoughts and comfort during this difficult time.
Thanks so much Catherine. xo
Thank you so much Kathryn.
Dale thank you so very much. xo
Thanks Miss b
Thank you dear Dani. x
Thanks Cindy
Thank you so much Tamera
Dawn I know you've gone through this so recently and I've thought of you a lot. xo
Naomi thanks so sweet. xo
Wendy thank you. Helps to hear from others who have been through it too.
Tabitha thank you so much.
Lisa thank you.
Brenda thank you for that.
Thank you Marianne
Elizabeth you are sweet. Yes I agree I have to remember them that way. xo
Thank you so much. I love that photo of mom too.
Jennifer thank you so much. xo
Heather, I am holding those good memories tight. xo
Linda thank you, you are very kind. Appreciate it so much. xo
Kim,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and your friend Wendy. I can't imagine what a difficult time this is for you Kim. My heart goes out to you!
xo
annie